AFSCME Collective Bargaining

(Mayor's message to AFSCME employees on Jan. 19, 2017)

Dear Colleagues:

As contract talks continue with your AFSCME leadership, I want to update you on our progress.

This morning, my teampresented a contract offer to your leadership that includes a 14% salary increase for full-time AFSCME employees over the next three years - 5% in year one, 4.5% in year two, and 4.5% in year three - and a one-time lump sum consideration of 3% of your annual salary.

Temporary and part-time employees would receive a 12% salary increase over the next three years – 3% in year one, 4.5% in year two, and 4.5% in year three.

Last August, Jacksonville voters overwhelming approved an existing half-penny sales tax as a potential funding source for our unfunded pension liability. However, in order to utilize that funding, the law requires us to close our existing pension plans to new hires.Your pension benefits and those of retirees stay exactly as they are. However, existing employees will be required to raise their pension contribution from 8% to 10%.We must create sustainable new retirement plans that attract and retain quality new hires. The retirement plan I’ve proposed for new hires will accomplish these goals.

The retirement plan for new employees includesa 12% City contribution to an 8% employee contribution, effective immediately upon hire. Disability and death benefits are also provided to new hires.